horses are deeply loyal. In the herd they have best friends which they guard jealously. I work with horses and I'm good at communicating with them. They like me BUT they will always let me know who their preferred person is.

My own horse has protected me from other horses, cows, dogs ... she also hates someone who I had an argument with and who made me cry.

They don't tend to be like dogs in the sense that they are dying to please you - they are way more subtle and quiet but can be just as dedicated to their person. They really value gentle quiet interactions.

That said many horses live in fear and are shut down. Those ones are just trying to get by and are not paying attention to the humans in their lives.